When the Appointment Ends on Its Own
Once a personal representative files a closing statement with the court, the clock starts. One year after that filing, the appointment ends on its own.
The representative does not need a separate petition or court hearing. The same applies when the court issues an order formally closing the estate.
An appointment of a personal representative terminates as provided in section 14-3933, one year after the filing of a closing statement.
A.R.S. § 14-3610(A)This built-in expiration date is practical. It gives the representative a reasonable window to wrap up final details. At the same time, it keeps the appointment from staying open forever.
Resigning Before the Estate Is Closed
A personal representative may want to step down before the estate is fully settled. To resign, they must file a written statement with the registrar.
There is one key condition. They must give at least fifteen days of written notice to everyone with an interest in the estate.
A personal representative may resign his position by filing a written statement of resignation with the registrar after he has given at least fifteen days written notice to the persons known to be interested in the estate.
A.R.S. § 14-3610(C)The resignation does not take effect right away. It only becomes effective once a successor is appointed, qualified, and has received the estate assets.
If nobody steps forward within the notice period, the court treats the resignation as though it was never filed. This rule keeps the estate from going without someone in charge.